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Colorado DOT to slow traffic to help I-70 congestion

DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation is testing a new method to cut down on traffic congestion on Interstate 70 in the mountains.

The Colorado State Patrol and Silverthorne police will use pace cars to slow eastbound traffic heading for the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnel beginning Saturday. All three lanes will be open, but traffic will be limited to speeds between 45 and 55 mph.

Spokeswoman Stacey Stegman says when back-ups occur, the department now stops vehicles from entering the tunnel, allowing traffic to clear before releasing more traffic into the tunnel.

The department said Thursday the test will help determine the feasibility of pacing vehicles during heavier traffic periods in July and August and winter weekends during the ski season.